The apparel sales in India were at 63 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in July. Retailers Association of India (RAI) claimed this in its 18th edition of the Retail Business Survey.
The survey shows that overall retail sales in July were at 72 per cent of pre-pandemic – July 2019 – levels compared with 50 per cent in June.
The industry is hopeful about the upcoming festival season as it is always a big opportunity for apparel manufacturers.
The survey said retail businesses in south India have indicated a very sharp comeback in July 2021 with sales at 82 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels (July 2019), as against 50 per cent sales in June 2021.
However, west India is yet to improve, registering sales at 57 per cent of pre-pandemic levels (July 2019).
This is mainly because of prolonged curbs in Maharashtra that disrupted the smooth functioning of modern retail in the state.
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, RAI, said, “There is a possibility of significant sales recovery for retail businesses as the festive season approaches, provided restrictions on modern retail are relaxed across the country allowing smooth operations and return to normalcy.”
The association also said that opening up retail will give businesses a chance at recovery, saving the livelihood of millions who are dependent on the retail ecosystem.